River Lyd, Lydford, Dartmoor National Park

River Lyd, Lydford, Dartmoor National Park

If you are on holiday in Dartmoor, you're most likely to experience the River Lyd in the National Trust's stunning Lydford Gorge (National Trust) as it flows past the Lydford Gorge White Lady Waterfall on its way west beyond the National Park boundary into the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Whilst Lydford Gorge is a Dartmoor highlight, we'd also recommend exploring the River Lyd a little further upstream on the western flank of the high moors. The river cuts through a beautiful landscape with some massive views.

The River Lyd rises at Lyd Head by Corn Ridge to the north of Woodcock Hill. It's a flat, boggy landmass that's relatively difficult to walk across. There are the remains of extensive peat works to the south east of Lyd Head including the evocatively named Bleak House. The magnificent Great Links Tor is to the south. From this high ground, the River Lyd arcs between Great Links Tor and Great Nodden before leaving the high moor in the direction of Lydford. There, it's cut Lydford Gorge. Having tumbled and rolled through the gorge, the river leaves Dartmoor National Park. It flows west through Lydford Forest to the Lifton area where it joins the River Tamar.

Visiting the National Trust's Lydford Gorge is a must. In addition, we'd recommend walking up to Great Links Tor to see the river flowing from the high moor. There's a large car parking area just off the A386 by The Dartmoor Inn at Lydford. This car park is clearly marked on the Ordnance Survey Explorer OL28 'Dartmoor' map. You have to drive up a narrow lane and then open and shut a gate to get to the car parking area. From there, a wide grass track runs up the side of a farm wall to the River Lyd. You can cross the water on stepping stones if the water's low or on a wood bridge. A path runs between Arms Tor and Bray Tor up to Great Links Tor. It's a bit of an uphill slog but the views are extraordinary. You'll see the River Lyd running below the rounded mass of Great Nodden. To the west, you're looking over the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty where the River Lyd joins the River Tamar. From there, it flows down to Plymouth, Plymouth Sound and the English Channel.